NPHCDA Calls On Nigerians To Support Child Immunisation

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has called on Nigerians to support child routine immunisation in the country, stating that the federal government alone cannot drive the initiative of leaving any child behind.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of NPHCDA made the appeal at the closeout event by the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), involved in Routine Immunisation Strengthening Project (NNRISP) implemented in Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Yobe and Borno States.

The event has the theme, "Insights for Impact at Scale."

Dr Mohammed Abubakar, Director, National Advocacy Communications Social Mobilisation of NPHCDA, who represented Shuaib said that the agency’s collaboration during the project improved immunisation in the country.

He said to sustain the gains, the agency needs the support of everyone and all relevant stakeholders.

“The government cannot do this alone; we must scale this initiative nationwide to ensure that no child is left behind,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ahmed Iya, Head, Health Nutrition Officer, Aliko Dangote Foundation, said that immunisation is not just a medical intervention, but an investment in a child’s future.

"It ensures that every child receives life-saving vaccines which protect them from preventable diseases and lays a solid foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future,” he said.

Iya said that in celebrating the achievements of the project, the states should know that the work is far from over.

“We must persist in our efforts to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to life-saving vaccines, regardless of their circumstances,” he said.